Princesses and so forth

NOT A NEWS FLASH! A lot of little girls today sure like to do the princess thing, right? And there's lots of princess stuff for them to enjoy--books, coloring books, games, dolls, dress-up clothes.

Anyway, I know there's a conversation going on about this phenom among parents, educators, psychologists, and possibly real-live princesses who are pissed that their turf has been hijacked.

REAL PRINCESSES: BACK OFF, FAUX PRINCESSES! WE DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE FIVE YEARS OLD!

I haven't paid much attention because I didn't have daughters, but I might now that I have myself a couple of grandgirls. What do you think about this? Why is it happening? Is it healthy? A problem? A little of both? Should I write a princess book myself?

I will say this. I never ONCE pretended I was a princess when I was a kid. I was more interested in being an orphan because orphans are awesome and no one tells them when to go to bed.

Your thoughts?